If you have PFAS-free outdoor gear, it might need some extra care to keep it in good condition.
You need to wash PFAS-free kit regularly to keep it in good working order, says Charles Ross, a lecturer in performance and sportswear design at the Royal College of Art and a textiles consultant. “A running waterproof, in which there’s more sweating, needs to be washed every few wears.”
How to look after your PFAS-free outdoor gear
- Make sure your washing machine is clean to begin with. Ross says most machines require a ‘cleaning cycle’ every 50 washes.
- Use a soap solution (like Lux or Dreft) or tech wash product, rather than a standard detergent (eg. Aeriel or Persil) for washing waterproof gear. Rinse twice and drip dry, then tumble dry for 5-10 minutes or iron on a low heat.
- If your kit still looks grubby or still has stains, you can wash with a standard detergent, but then wash again as outlined above to remove the detergent coating.
- When the garment is washed and dried, run it under a tap. If water does not bead off, it’s time to reproof. Always wash before reproofing. And ensure you use reproofing products that don’t contain PFAS – such as Nikwax or Storm.
- Many brands offer washing, reproofing and repairs – some only their own products, others for any brand of kit.
Top image credit: Getty
